Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.

Number of results: 173
, currently showing 1 to 20.
General event
Southampton
Join us on an exciting cruise when Shieldhall will venture into the Medina River on the Isle of Wight! On our way down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Insignia and Seven Seas Grandeur at…
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.
All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashley Heath, Ringwood
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Moors Valley's Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
Arts
Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.
Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.
General event
Southampton
We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
Childrens Events
Farnham
Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.
Festival
Southsea
The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!
Festival
Ventnor
Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Sunday March 22, May 17 and September 20
10:00am-5:30pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust are excited to be collaborating with CW Events to bring their visitors an exciting Artisan Market experience on select Sundays throughout 2026!
See the Hawk…
Run / Rally
New Forest
Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.
All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Carnival
Newport
Newport Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Festival
Winchester
Winchester is a city steeped in history and with strong literary connections.
Exhibitions
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!
Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…